**Johnny Manziel Wishes Arch Manning Success, Except During Rivalry Week**
Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel has expressed his support for Arch Manning as he steps into his role as the starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns. However, Manziel’s loyalty to his alma mater, Texas A&M, means he hopes Manning has a tough outing during their highly anticipated matchup.
In an interview, Manziel stated, “Whenever Texas plays Texas A&M, I hope he throws five picks and no touchdowns and gives us an opportunity to win that ballgame we need to win.” This rivalry, known as “The Lone Star Showdown,” is set for November 28, marking the latest regular-season game for both teams.
As Manning prepares for his first season as a full-time starter, expectations are high following the departure of Quinn Ewers to the NFL. Texas is currently ranked at the top of The Associated Press’ Top 25 preseason poll, with many analysts predicting a strong run in this year’s College Football Playoff. While Manziel is cautious about making bold predictions, he is eager to see how Manning performs under pressure.
“Texas is starting out very highly ranked,” Manziel noted. “There’s a lot of hype around them, and there’s a lot of pressure in that situation. But, from what he’s shown so far, you’d think he’d be able to handle it, and he’s going to play well.”
Manning comes from a supportive family, including his uncles Peyton and Eli, his father Cooper, and his grandfather Archie, a New Orleans Saints legend. Manziel, who won the prestigious “Manning Award” during his Heisman-winning season in 2012, is also looking forward to seeing how Manning performs against formidable opponents, starting with the reigning national champion Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2025 season opener.
“When you’re ranked that high going into the season, you’re going to get everybody’s best shot week in and week out,” Manziel explained. “Right out of the gate, they get a real test playing a real team.”
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Manning to see how he navigates the challenges ahead, especially during the rivalry clash with Texas A&M.
**FAQ**
*What is the significance of the Texas vs. Texas A&M rivalry?*
The Texas vs. Texas A&M rivalry, known as “The Lone Star Showdown,” is a historic college football matchup that showcases the fierce competition between the two Texas schools, drawing significant attention from fans and media alike.
